Revising Bus Safety Performance Index to include indicator and weighting for Successful Covid19 Risk Reduction Actions

Caroline Pidgeon: Following Question 2019/20678for the period starting 1 March 2020, will TfL revise the “baskets of indicators” in its Bus Safety Performance Index to include an indicator and weighting for “Successful Covid19 Risk Reduction Actions"?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has continued to work with its Bus Operators throughout the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that appropriate control measures are implemented in a timely and effective manner, in line with the prevailing advice from Public Health England at the time. The first phase of the UCL’s Institute of Health Equity review on bus driver deaths during the pandemic included a review of the timing of control measures being implemented by the various bus operators around the beginning of lockdown.
The bus operators, as the employer, hold the legal duty to ensure their workplaces are COVID-secure. TfL has and will continue to work closely with them to ensure a joined-up approach is being taken and that suitable controls are being implemented. TfL is also supporting the development of second wave plans, and is making sure these reflect industry best practice and are aligned with the recommendations from the UCL Institute of Health Equity review.
The Safety Performance Index (SPI) relies on a baseline of historic data to allow for like for like comparisons over time. Because this data isn’t available for coronavirus risk reduction actions, the SPI would not lend itself to including this as a temporary indicator.

Benchmarking pedestrian deaths from TfL bus collisions

Caroline Pidgeon: TfL's recently released "Casualties in Greater London" data reveals that TfL bus collisions accounted for nearly 10 percent of all pedestrian deaths in 2019. Will you request Imperial College's International Bus Benchmarking Group to show how London's 2019 figurecompares with its World City peers?

The Mayor: I responded to a similar question on 19 December 2019 from Assembly Member Keith Prince (please see MQ 2019/21048). At that time 2018 data was publicly available showing that Transport for London (TfL) Bus Collisions constituted 16% of all pedestrian fatalities in London. The 2019 data shows that this has now dropped to 9%.
TfL is working to eliminate such tragedies by 2030 as part of my Vision Zero commitment. The interim target for 2022 is for 70% fewer people killed or seriously injured in, or by, London buses compared to the 2005-09 baseline. The 2019 data shows that there has been a 65% reduction so far.
Imperial College does not collect data on overall pedestrian deaths and as bus operations vary in scale and coverage across IBBG member cities, I would not ask Imperial College to produce this comparison. However, TfL has published 2018 data from Imperial College on International Bus Benchmarking Group Key Performance Indicators which includes bus collision data (http://content.tfl.gov.uk/performance-of-london-buses-2018.pdf) and it will publish the 2019 data when available.

Publication of information on the TfL website (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: TfL’s website on the page ‘Underground services performance’ currently only publishes performance figures for Period 9- 2019/20 (from 10 November to 7 December 2019). Will you ensure that TfL provides up to date information on its website?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that this webpage will be updated by the end of October, including performance figures up to Period 6 – 2020/21 (from 23 August to 19 September 2020).
In order to continue to provide an accurate measure of Tube performance, given the impact of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on demand, TfL will be updating the performance metrics published on this webpage.

Thames cable car

Caroline Pidgeon: The previous Mayor announced on the 7 October 2011 a ten-year sponsorship deal for the Thames cable car. Since the commencement of the cable car passenger numbers have been dismal after its temporary popularity during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ahead of the renewal of any sponsorship deal will you make a commitment to a totally different ticket pricing policy which actually encourages people to use it on a regular basis, such as charging regular users no more than a bus fare. Do you further accept that running the cable car as a form of public transport and not a tourist attraction is the only way to ensure a reasonable number of people regularly use the cable car?

The Mayor: I agree it is important that future arrangements for the Emirates Air Line cable car are reviewed, to represent the best interests of Londoners whilst supporting Transport for London (TfL) with its financial position. TfL is currently reviewing future options, ahead of summer 2022, in line with the end of the initial term for the operating and maintenance contract and the end of the current sponsorship deal.

TfL staff providing sighted guided assistance for people with a sight loss

Caroline Pidgeon: While recognising that TfL is changing their policy later this month, please state why TfL withdrew the provision of providing sighted guiding assistance for people with sight loss at the outset of the Covid pandemic, which was a totally different approach to train operators across the UK who introduced an operational policy that enabled staff to continue to provide sighted guiding assistance from the start of the pandemic in a safe way for both passengers and staff.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) needed to make changes to protect everyone's health at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. To protect staff and customers, TfL asked staff to maintain a two-metre distance when supporting customers with mobility and visual impairments.
If a visually impaired person requests customer assistance which requires assisted physical guiding, staff are asked to arrange a taxi to take them to the nearest accessible point on their journey. If physical guiding can be provided whilst maintaining a social distance, then it will be offered.
The challenges TfL has faced during the unprecedented pandemic has fostered ongoing discussions with disability representative groups, the independent Disability Advisory Group and Accessibility Forum, so TfL can find ways to make responsive interventions or changes as inclusive as possible whilst prioritising safety for all.
Please see my answers to Mayor's Question 2020/1902.

Publication of information on the TfL website (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: For many years TfL regularly published weekly passenger numbers on its website for the use of the cable car, however at present the most recent published figures by TfL are for the week ending 13 June 2020 and show 3341 people using it in the previous seven days. Will you ensure that TfL continues to publish this information on a regular basis. Please provide the latest weekly figures.

The Mayor: Weekly passenger volumes for the Emirates Air Line from 20 June through to the beginning of October have been published by Transport for London (TfL), and also provided below for reference. TfL will continue to publish this information on a regular basis.

TfL Free Flu Jabs

Andrew Boff: Why was the offer of free flu jabs removed from TfL staff?

The Mayor: This year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Transport for London (TfL) decided to offer all its staff the opportunity to have free flu vaccination. An arrangement was made with a third-party provider for the provision of flu jab vouchers which employees could redeem at a selection of outlets (more than 3000) across the UK.
Unfortunately, the provider subsequently contacted TfL to inform them that it was unable to proceed with the voucher programme, as it was apparent that many people would not be able to redeem the vouchers due to lack of availability of vaccine and the need for available vaccine to be prioritised for those assessed by the NHS as being at higher risk.
If TfL members of staff are able to obtain the flu vaccine, they can still claim for the cost through the normal expenses route.

Meanwhile and temporary use of home and business sites at Earls Court (2)

Caroline Russell: Last year in response to my question 2019/12028 you informed me that you asked Transport for London (TfL) “to investigate how the empty properties at Earls Court could be brought into use if there is any further delay in the start of large-scale development.” What is the outcome of this investigation, and when do you expect the buildings to be occupied?

The Mayor: In November 2019, Delancey, on behalf of its client fund and APG, completed the acquisition of Capital and Counties’ interest in the Earls Court development site. Since then, Transport for London (TfL) has been working with Delancey on a fresh vision for the site, and in June 2020 appointed Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West as lead architects.
With the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the immediate priority has been to support those local businesses already on site, and during this period, part of the site has been made available to the Mayor’s Office for Policing & Crime to help with its response to the pandemic. TfL opened a new training and skills hub on the site earlier this year and meanwhile uses for the site and existing buildings are being explored with the wider community as part of the planning consultations.
Both TfL and Delancey remain focused on delivering new homes at pace. In June 2020, the Earls Court Development Company started community consultation for the 344-350 Old Brompton Road site, a residential-led development, which will form a gateway to the emerging masterplan.

Preparing London transport for a potential second wave of coronavirus

Caroline Russell: How are you preparing London’s transport system and its workers for the second wave of coronavirus, and the usual seasonal increases in public transport usage seen in London in winter?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) top priority is ensuring the safety of its customers and staff, as well as its operators and suppliers. TfL’s approach continues to follow Public Health England (PHE) and Government guidance to provide a safe environment.
TfL has robust plans in place to respond to a second wave of coronavirus. As part of this planning, TfL is liaising with all 33 London boroughs to co-ordinate preparations for any further restrictions and agree what support and joint working might be needed. TfL also has regular discussions with the Department for Transport on regional lockdowns and is working with other agencies in London to ensure our city delivers a joined-up response.
TfL was able to make quick changes to the transport system as the coronavirus pandemic hit in March and is ready to put appropriate measures in place again if needed. These could include stewards at the busiest interchanges to encourage social distancing, activating one-way queuing systems at stations and targeted communication for customers to ensure there is a clear understanding of any changes to public transport services. It is envisaged that limits on the number of customers allowed to board buses at any one time will continue.
Although TfL services are back to pre-pandemic frequencies, ridership levels are not at the levels they were before the lock down. Whilst customers have been returning to public transport, particularly the bus network, there is still capacity. TfL is not relying on seasonal ridership trends; it is looking at ridership levels on a daily basis to identify trends and respond accordingly.

Thames Clippers (8)

Keith Prince: How many commuter passengers were carried by Uber Thames Clippers in 2019 and how many tourist passengers were carried in 2019?

The Mayor: Transport for London has advised me that it does not hold this information and has asked Thames Clippers to provide this instead. If this information is made available, TfL will provide it to you as soon as possible.

Crossrail train drivers

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your reply to question 2020/2580 which stated that 140 drivers are “available” for supporting Dynamic Testing of the new Central Operating Section, please provide statistics of the level of actual work activity carried out by these 140 drivers.

The Mayor: Of the pool of 140 drivers available, 90 were used in Dynamic Testing in September. With Dynamic Testing now entering a more intensive phase and with more trains in operation, the number of drivers used is increasing.
Drivers who are not used for testing undertake other rostered duties, including driving passenger trains on the surface sections of TfL Rail, and undertaking training on other sections so they are able to drive over the full length of the future Elizabeth line.

Hammersmith Bridge

Leonie Cooper: If it proves cost-effective to install a permanent walking/cycling bridge next to Hammersmith Bridge, would you support this option?

The Mayor: A new permanent bridge would mean more expense and disruption and would not address the fact that Hammersmith Bridge needs to be repaired, both for people travelling on it, as well as for vessels travelling under it.
Hammersmith Bridge is a much-loved structure on London’s skyline, and is Grade II* listed, reflecting its importance and the need to protect it for future generations. The bridge must be repaired to ensure it continues to serve the needs of those living and working in west London, and that is the priority of the taskforce that has been convened by Baroness Vere at the Department of Transport.
My priority therefore remains reopening the bridge to buses and motor traffic (up to 7.5 tonnes) as soon as possible. The Government must now urgently confirm funding for these works.

Support for the Poetry Project

Caroline Pidgeon: The Poetry Project has previously worked with the London Underground (https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/meet-man-behind-tube-poetry-16558939 ) and in cities across the world to spread messages of hope and positivity. Will you join me in supporting the excellent work of the Poetry Project, and commit to considering where else, you as Mayor, may be able to work with the project to spread positive messages to Londoners in such difficult times?

The Mayor: London is a global capital of culture and I am proud of the poetry produced by the authors who live in – and take inspiration from – our great city. Transport for London (TfL) has been working for the past 30 years to share messages of inspiration, contemplation, and humour through the Poems on the Underground programme. The poems are selected by a group of three authors and award-winning poets, with a new group of poems going up on trains three times per year. These poems reflect a diverse group of authors – representing verse traditions from multiple countries – and are often selected to reflect a specific theme.
In addition to these poems, TfL has also featured a variety of messages on its station whiteboards that have inspired its staff – including some poetry written by TfL employees – and has featured poems read over the tannoy at stations for special occasions, including St. Patrick’s Day and Remembrance Sunday.
My Culture and Creative Industries team have arranged a meeting with The Poetry Project and have also put them in contact with the Poems on the Underground team. TfL will continue to work with a variety of partners to share the beauty of poetry with Londoners.

Use of renewables by Transport for London (2)

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your answer to my question 2019/19662 on the use of renewable energy by Transport for London (TfL). On 30 September 2020, the TfL Finance Committee discussed risks relating to Power Purchase Agreements. It was highlighted that accounting assessments will limit the renewable energy it is possible to purchase. What steps are you taking, given that TfL is the single largest user of electricity in London, to ensure that accounting rules don’t stand in the way of a rapid transition to zero carbon energy?

The Mayor: The paper presented at Transport for London’s (TfL) Finance Committee on 30 September set out TfL’s proposed approach to procuring renewable energy via Power Purchase Agreements, helping to meet my ambition for TfL controlled rail services to be zero carbon by 2030. Accounting rules which would limit the amount of energy that TfL can purchase from a single renewable project were discussed at the meeting as representing a risk to the procurement. TfL is undertaking significant effort to ensure that the procurement will not conflict with these rules, including seeking external expert advice.
TfL will engage with national government to highlight the wider need for HM Treasury to recognise and address this issue, to ensure accounting rules do not inadvertently hinder the UK’s transition to zero carbon energy.

Tube CCTV (3)

Shaun Bailey: For how long is CCTV footage retained on the Tube/TfL network?

The Mayor: Transport for London retains station CCTV footage for a period of 14 days, unless it has been downloaded in connection with a specific incident.

School buses (2)

Alison Moore: Can you confirm whether children and young people on school buses and additional ‘school services’ buses are obliged to wear a mask and if so, how this is being monitored and enforced?

The Mayor: Anyone aged 11 or over should wear a face covering on all public transport services, which includes school priority buses unless they have an exemption under the regulations, or a good reason for not doing so. This is set out by the Government. Details about this can be found on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) website at https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/face-coverings.
Drivers can verbally remind customers about this and play automated messages directing people to wear face coverings unless they are exempt. TfL has also introduced a process where frontline staff, like bus drivers, can report issues with non-compliance. This intelligence is then used to identify locations where additional interventions may be required such as targeted communications or enforcement activity.
Dealing with young people and non-compliance of face coverings requires a different approach to that used for adults. Fixed penalty notices cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 18. Removing children from the network is also not an option for safeguarding reasons. The police and TfL’s operations enforcement officers are deployed to priority locations across the transport network to encourage compliance and educate customers aged 11 and over about the importance of wearing a face covering if they are not exempt. Where engagement is unsuccessful, officers can report children who do not comply with face covering regulations and a warning letter is sent to their parent or guardian. Repeated offences could result in free travel concession being removed.
TfL and transport police are also engaging with schools to ensure safe travel guidance is communicated to and understood by pupils.

Tube CCTV (1)

Shaun Bailey: What proportion of stations on each Tube line are currently fitted with CCTV cameras? Please provide the answers in percentage terms.

The Mayor: 100 per cent of Tube stations are fitted with CCTV cameras.

Tube CCTV (2)

Shaun Bailey: How many Tube stations are there on each line? How many of these have been fitted with CCTV cameras?

The Mayor: Transport for London manages 263 Tube stations, all of which are fitted with CCTV cameras.
A breakdown by line is provided below.
Bakerloo line – 20 managed stations
Circle and Hammersmith & City lines - 11 managed stations
Central line – 46 managed stations
District line – 45 managed stations
Jubilee line – 24 managed stations
Metropolitan line – 32 managed stations
Northern line – 40 managed stations
Piccadilly line – 35 managed stations
Victoria line – 10 managed stations
London Underground operates services to some stations which it does not directly manage. CCTV is also in place at all these stations.

Use of non-disclosure agreements by Crossrail (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to question 2018/3002 asking whether you publicly support Crossrail adopting a policy of refraining from the adoption of non-disclosure agreements for staff who leave the organisation you stated that TfL’s HR team have been in touch with Crossrail’s team to ask that clauses in their Settlement Agreements fit with this principle. Please provide an update as to whether this request was met and from what date was the policy implemented.

The Mayor: Crossrail has confirmed that its Settlement Agreements were reviewed in March 2019 and fit with the principle that no one leaving the organisation is required to sign a standalone Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Settlement Agreements include provisions protecting confidential information and they do not prevent individuals from raising legitimate concerns about the organisation.

Blue badges

Murad Qureshi: How many blue badges are registered to be exempt from congestion charging in Central London?

The Mayor: Blue Badge holders who are registered with Transport for London (TfL) qualify for a 100 per cent discount from the Congestion Charge.
TfL publishes information about active discounts in its quarterly Congestion Charge factsheets, which are available in the Finance, Operations & Performance section of the TfL website at: tfl.gov.uk/congestion-charge. The factsheet for the quarter ending on 30 September will be published in the coming weeks. I can confirm however that the number of active Blue Badge discounts as at 01 October 2020 is 102,739.

Woodhouse college

Andrew Dismore: Students of Woodhouse College in North Finchley are struggling to access bus services, because even when they show drivers their student passes, they are not being allowed on either school buses or non-school buses. Please can you ensure that they are allowed on as a matter of urgency, and advice is given to drivers.

The Mayor: Yes. Bus drivers have been advised about letting students board when a bus is not full on this specific part of their route. Enhanced communications about this have been provided by the bus operators serving North Finchley and they are developing robust plans to ensure all students are picked up.

Park Lane to Kilburn Road Tunnel

Keith Prince: A constituent asks whether any consideration has been given to building a road tunnel from Park Lane to Kilburn for outgoing traffic only and, if so, how much would such a tunnel cost?

The Mayor: In 2016, Transport for London assessed the potential for strategic orbital and cross-London road tunnels to deliver policy objectives, including reducing surface-level congestion. One of the cross-London routes that was looked at did broadly follow a Park Lane to Kilburn alignment.
The main conclusions from this work were that such large-scale tunnels would be prohibitively expensive, with high-level estimates running to tens of billions of pounds. Additionally, modelling work showed that the level of benefits that would be gained, including the scheme’s potential to relieve congestion in Central London, were not sufficient to justify the cost.

Balham Park Road

Caroline Pidgeon: I have recently been contacted by a blind resident who highlights that Balham Park Road was recently made one way, leading onto Balham High Road. My constituent crosses at this junction frequently on the tactile crossing and despite the one-way system cars are continuing to breach this restriction. What steps are TfL taking to address this safety issue? Will cameras be considered to challenge dangerous driving in this location?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is undertaking enforcement activities at the junction of the A24 with Balham Park Road to ensure that drivers follow the no entry restrictions. TfL is also investigating the potential to use cameras to enforce restrictions at this location.

Pedestrian fatalities

Caroline Pidgeon: The most recent published statistics show that in 2019 there were 68 people killed while walking on London's roads, up from 57 in 2018. What assurances can be given that these statistics will be turned around in 2020 and subsequent years?

The Mayor: The 2019 figures show a concerning increase in the number of people killed in road traffic collisions whilst walking, despite a slight reduction in the number of people injured whilst walking overall.
Conditions in 2020 are very different to 2019, but provisional figures from 2020 suggest 30 people have been killed whilst walking so far this year, versus 54 for the same period last year. I am determined to lead a safe recovery which encourages active travel. That’s why Transport for London is rolling out my London Streetspace programme alongside borough-led initiatives such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to make it easier and safer for Londoners to walk and cycle.
It is neither inevitable nor acceptable that anyone should be killed or seriously injured when travelling in London, and my priority is to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London's streets by 2041, as set out in my Vision Zero Action Plan.

Changes in London road traffic since March 2020

Caroline Russell: Residents across London are raising concerns about increases in road traffic since March 2020. In some cases, new traffic patterns appear to be emerging as people are using cars instead of public transport. What research and data do you have on changes to traffic in London since March and when do you expect to publish it?

The Mayor: While currently traffic is still slightly below normal levels, it has returned much more quickly than public transport demand, which is significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Before London moved to Tier 2 restrictions on 17 October, average weekday traffic flows on the Transport for London (TfL) Road Network over a 24-hour period were around 6-8% lower than the equivalent day in 2019 whereas public transport passenger numbers were around 40% lower than normal for buses and around 65% lower than normal for the Tube.
Changes in traffic patterns vary across the city, with traffic flows in central London 17-19% lower than 2019, flows in inner London 6-8% lower and flows in outer London 4-7% lower than equivalent days in 2019. Nonetheless, the relatively rapid return of car traffic compared to public transport is concerning in terms of potential long-term impacts on congestion, road danger, air pollution and public health.
By providing alternatives to car use for those who can walk or cycle, my Streetspace programme seeks to prevent a damaging and unsustainable car-based recovery. It is encouraging to see that as a result of these changes and the efforts of Londoners to follow travel advice, there is evidence of a cycling boom in the city, with Strava data showing an increase of over 100 per cent. Santander Cycles hires were 18 per cent higher in September 2020 compared to September 2019.
A review of travel patterns will be available in the next edition of TfL’s Travel in London report due to be published towards the end of the year. TfL is always willing to share the data it collects for monitoring purposes, so I have asked TfL officers to get in touch with your office regarding any specific questions you have.

611 bus

Andrew Dismore: I understand the changes to the 611 bus route have already had a negative impact on students at Bishop Douglass School in East Finchley. At the start of September students were waiting at the bus stop on the North Circular Road to catch the 112 or 232 and yet, 3 buses went past without stopping. They had a sign saying non-school bus. The fourth bus stopped but would only allow 10 students on board.
Christ College children also use this bus stop and the congestion at this bus stop is increasing. They feel this is a safety concern as children are being left to stand by a 3 lane A406 road and their safety is being compromised. To add to this dark nights and bad weather are drawing in, which will further compound this situation.
Will you ensure that there is adequate capacity here, and that these issues are resolved?

The Mayor: At the start of the academic year (2020/21), route 611 was withdrawn between Stonebridge Park station and East Finchley schools, where it used to provide one bus journey in the morning and afternoon. It has been replaced by extension of route 112 between Brent Cross and North Finchley, which provides six buses per hour (bph) throughout the school day and new links in general for Londoners across north and west London. Also, in the past four years, route 232 has been increased from three to five bph, with an additional journey added at school times.
However, despite the overall frequency increases on this link from four to 12 bph, social distancing capacities introduced to keep customers safe have reduced capacity overall. Furthermore, congestion on the A406 North Circular Road has resulted in delays on route 232.
Surveys have been undertaken at East End Lane, North Circular stops which have identified crowding among Bishop Douglass school pupils. Consequently, when additional bus capacity was identified, two extra afternoon buses were added to route 232 on 29 September, and every other bus is now dedicated to schoolchildren only.

Rail Devolution

Alison Moore: Publication of the Government’s response to the Williams Review into the future of the UK’s railways is now expected later this year. What further representations have you made to the Government about the review in respect to devolution to London of suburban rail routes – in addition to those outlined in 2019/14546 – particularly considering the recent Government announcement to end to the rail franchising model?

The Mayor: On 21 September, Government announced that franchising was being replaced, initially with Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements (ERMAs). These will run for up to 18 months, will bring the rail franchising system to an end, and are a prelude to a White Paper that will include the Department for Transport’s (DfT) response to the Williams Rail Review. Given Keith Williams' previous comments about the importance of railways being responsive to local interests, Transport for London (TfL) is hopeful that this presents an opportunity to press the case for further devolution of control over London’s suburban rail services.
TfL is currently in discussions with the government which are focused on the development of the business case for the devolution of Great Northern Inner and Southeastern Inner services, as well as the case for devolution in the broader policy context, which includes the Williams Review.
While ERMAs have understandably taken up a lot of DfT’s resources, good officer-level cooperation with TfL continues and I am confident that the case for the devolution of metro rail services in London remains strong.

Support for visually impaired passengers whilst observing social distancing

Caroline Russell: A visually impaired constituent has complained publicly that they were not given adequate support at a London Underground station, where staff told them to take a taxi rather than providing assistance to reach the platform. How does Transport for London (TfL) ensure that staff provide the right support for those with a visual impairment who need assistance while observing social distancing?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has a policy in place whereby if a visually impaired person requests customer assistance which requires physical guiding, staff will arrange a taxi to take them to the nearest accessible point on their journey. If guiding can be provided whilst maintaining a safe social distance, then it will be offered.
TfL continues to ask customers and staff to uphold social distancing measures for the protection of everyone. I apologise that the high customer service standards expected at TfL were not met in this particular incident. TfL has reminded its staff about the measures it has in place to support visually impaired customers.

Health Guidance in Other Languages

Navin Shah: It is fantastic to see guidance issued to Londoners in languages other than English, especially as we know Covid-19 disproportionately affects BAME communities. Are there plans to produce more video guidance in other languages, or in any other locations such as posters on the underground?

The Mayor: To tackle the huge challenge of COVID-19 together, it is critical that everyone is supported to protect themselves and their community. This includes Londoners who do not speak or read English well in our diverse communities, who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
As part of my work to reach London’s multilingual communities, we partnered with Doctors of the World to support their work translating government guidance into more than 60 languages and provided a hub of multilingual resources on London.gov.uk that has been visited by over 38,000 people. Our social media campaign to share translated health messaging has so far reached over 1.1 million Londoners, and we have shared translated mental health resources which have reached over 303,000 people. I have also engaged community and faith organisations and leaders who have helped to amplify these messages through their local channels.
In addition, we have created videos with native speakers in Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu, and distributed them through community press and local channels, as well as running translated social media advertising.I have also held regular media interviews with media outlets that reach black, Asian and minority ethnic groups to ensure we reach them with this crucial in every effective way possible.
Supporting London's most vulnerable communities through COVID-19 must remain a priority. That's why I intend to continue creating video and audio messages to share with the most at risk communities, and plan to continue our social media advertising campaign in 15 languages which has proven to be incredibly successful in reaching vulnerable Londoners.
Furthermore, I continue to urge the government to consider and include non-English speakers in its response to COVID-19 and commit to producing and maintaining accessible COVID-19 guidance in languages that reflect London and England’s multilingual communities. I hope to see urgent action taken by the government to support these communities.

Step-Free Schemes – Phase 2

Navin Shah: 8 stations were announced to become step free as part of phase 2 of your accessibility programme. Given the funding crisis I am told that the implementation of these schemes will depend on third party funding. How confident are you of finding third party funding for these stations in order to meet the revised completion date of 2024?

The Mayor: Making the network accessible remains a priority for me and Transport for London (TfL). Due to the current financial challenges, caused by the coronavirus, some schemes are currently paused until third party or Government funding is available. TfL continues to seek long-term funding options to allow progress to be made. I am currently doing all I can to ensure that TfL receives a long-term, sustainable funding package. I will continue to update the London Assembly as the situation progresses.

Seven Weaknesses identified by Abstracked Solutions Limited April 2014 Audit of TOL

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2019/20155 you state "TfL’s auditor would have seen what the seven weaknesses referred to in the audit were and the resulting actions required.” Please list the "seven weaknesses” and “resulting actions required” seen by TfL’s Auditor. Can you assure me that "Fatigue Management” was not one of the “seven weaknesses” and “resulting actions” seen by TfL’s Auditor?

The Mayor: As stated in my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/20157, Transport for London does not hold a copy of this report. Given the passage of time since 2014 it is not possible from memory to list the seven weaknesses, resulting actions required or confirm whether fatigue management was specifically included or not.

2014 Report from CIRAS about Fatigue from TOL Croydon Tram Drivers

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2020/1098 you stated "As far as can be ascertained TfL was not aware of the 2014 CIRAS report or the March 2014 AbsTracked audit before Internal Audit 13 744 was initiated.” Since we know from page 9 of IA13744 that TfL did become aware of the Abstracked Solutions Audit during the course of its investigation, did TfL become aware of the 2014 CIRAS Report after it had TfL initiated IA 13744 in March 2014 and before it published the internal audit on 2 July 2014?

The Mayor: 13 744 audit, not during an investigation. The Audit team were not informed of the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis Service (CIRAS) report at any stage of this audit.

UK Bus Summit and TfL Communication concerning Covid-19 Outbreak at UK Bus Summit 6 February 2020

Keith Prince: A review of the documentation you sent in response to Question 2020/1727 reveals that, apparently, there was no discussion within TfL of the Covid-19 outbreak at the UK Bus Summit held in London 6 February 2020. Given that TfL’s MD for Surface Transport was a speaker at the event and there must have been many TfL executives and staff in attendance, should the public be concerned that TfL executives didn’t discuss the fact that Covid-19 was already present in the UK Bus Industry community at that early date?

The Mayor: I understand the conference attendees, including seven Transport for London (TfL) officers, were made aware of a single positive coronavirus case by Public Health England (PHE) around a week after the event.
The PHE advice was that no action was required at the time unless anyone developed symptoms of a cough, fever or shortness of breath. Given the information was quickly shared verbally and there was no transmission to the TfL team, I don’t think the public should be unduly concerned. We have learnt considerably more about the risks since then and applied the very latest health guidance in public transport to safeguard bus drivers and customers as much as possible.

Marble Arch Down Escalator

David Kurten: To ask the Mayor for a further update on the re-introduction of a working down escalator at Marble Arch Underground Station. This work was due to be completed by mid-June and effectively means that the residents and those who work in the area have been without a down escalator at this station for a year.

The Mayor: The Marble Arch escalator works began on 8 March 2020, with a planned completion date of 5 June 2020. When lockdown was implemented on 23 March, all Transport for London (TfL) project works, including these escalator works, were suspended and labour diverted to essential maintenance activities.
Before re-starting, a coronavirus-safe way of working had to be developed to enable social distancing. Working conditions within a small escalator shaft and machine room are challenging, and TfL’s highest priority remains the continued safety of its staff and customers. Works safely recommenced on 10 September 2020. Owing to these new ways of working, site productivity has been reduced.In addition, contractors have been re-mobilised and coordinated to keep cross-party working to a minimum.As such, the new return to service date is expected to be 18 December 2020.
TfL plans to start workson a second escalator at Marble Arch station on 31 January 2021, with a planned completion date of 30April 2021.These works follow normal practice for maintenance on a two-escalator station, keeping an up escalator in operation while the staircase is used to get passengers down to platform level.
TfL apologises for any inconvenience caused. However, this maintenance work is essential to ensure the continued safe operation of the escalators and the station. Station staff continue to be available to assist customers with their journeys.

Tube Noise [4]

Andrew Dismore: When was rail grinding last carried out on tube lines at or near Golders Green; and when will it be next done?

The Mayor: Rail grinding was most recently carried out in this area in August 2020. The rail grinding machine is next due on the Northern line in early 2021. I have asked that Transport for London officers provide you with an update on the programme as soon as it is finalised.
On 21 September 2020 Transport for London (TfL) carried out a track inspection in this area, to gain a greater understanding of the track issues that are causing a disturbance for local residents.TfL is now reviewing any interventions that could reduce noise levels, and I have asked that TfL officers provide you with an update as soon as further information is available.

Workplace parking places

Murad Qureshi: In your response to my question 2020/2062, you stated that we have 740,000 vehicles regularly driving into work in London. Could you please give me a breakdown by borough, in which parts of Greater London these workplace parking places are at present?

The Mayor: As stated in the answer given in Mayor's Question 2020/2062, the 740,000 workplace parking places figure was derived from data in the 2011 Census based solely on mode of travel to work. It is however possible to use this Census data together with London Travel Demand Survey (LTDS) data collected by Transport for London to provide estimates of workplace parking by borough, and this is attached. It must be emphasised, however, that these figures are not derived from any on-site surveys or employer contact and the Census data is almost a decade old.
Table 1 attached provides an estimate of workplace parking places by borough, derived from the usual mode of travel to work and adjusted for the proportion of employees reporting that they regularly park in a workplace parking place. The total number of workplace parking places shown in the table is smaller than the total of 740,000 owing to the fact that not all car commuters will have workplace parking as, for example, some will be parking on-street.

Delancey Street NW1

Andrew Dismore: Delancey Street in Regents Park ward, Camden, has been suffering from transport problems for some years now. The current problem is the large number of HGVs using this road as a way to bypass heavy traffic on the Euston Road. The Council are putting a LTO in place to stop rat running on the streets around Delancey, but this will not stop the HGVs. Will you ask TfL to assist the council in implementing this?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is continuing to closely monitor the impacts of my London Streetspace Plan interventions, both at the scheme location and on the surrounding network. Amendments are being made where necessary, with the decision-making process factoring in safety, congestion, equality and usage.
TfL is also continuing to study wider movement patterns and mode shares, and will continue to work with London boroughs to address concerns on their networks (such as Delancey Street) where appropriate.

Crossrail 2

Andrew Dismore: If TfL are no longer seeking funding for Crossrail 2, what will the impact be on HS2 passengers arriving at Euston and needing public transport to move on, bearing in mind overcrowding at Euston tube lines already?

The Mayor: Crossrail 2 remains a key component of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and is needed to address the challenges of the increased demand at Euston when HS2 is completed. While TfL’s commitment to supporting the scheme remains unchanged, it is important to be realistic that schemes such as Crossrail 2, which did not have an agreed funding package in place before the pandemic and are at an early stage of development, are less likely to attract Government funding commitments at this moment in time.
Given the impact of coronavirus on demand and the changed timetable for delivery of all the phases of HS2, there is uncertainty as to the timing and scale of the challenges at Euston. In the meantime, Transport for London (TfL) will continue to work with its partners, including the London Borough of Camden, Network Rail and others, to ensure passengers arriving at Euston and continuing their onward journey into London receive the best experience possible.

Tube noise [6]

Andrew Dismore: Further to question 2020/3118, you give the cause of noise at Finchley Central as being grinding, but at recent meetings with TfL, I have been told that it was due to the friction modifier being turned off. Which is it?

The Mayor: As set out in Mayor’s Question 2020/3118, Transport for London (TfL) carried out rail grinding at Finchley Central in June 2020. As this is a tight curve, train wheels are slowly wearing the rail back into a comfortable equilibrium, which is causing the noise. This is normal and is expected to reduce in time through the passage of trains.
At the September 2020 meeting with TfL to which you refer, London Underground’s Head of Track outlined that while a friction modifier has been installed in the area, TfL has not been able to activate it due to operational issues related to the impact on the braking performance of their fleet.
TfL is continuing to investigate fitting electrical lubricators to the track in this area, which apply lubrication to the track more reliably, which should further help reduce the noise as the rail beds in. I have asked that TfL officers provide you with a further update regarding this work as soon as further information is available.

Tube Noise [5]

Andrew Dismore: When was rail grinding last carried out on tube lines at or near Warren Street; and when will it be next done?

The Mayor: Rail grinding was most recently carried out in this area in May 2020.
Transport for London (TfL) does not plan to carry out grinding on this section of track when the rail grinding machine is next due on the Victoria line later this year, due to the relatively low levels of rail roughness in this area. TfL will continue to keep this area under review for future interventions.

Dean Street ticket hall at Crossrail Tottenham Court Road station

Caroline Pidgeon: I understand that during inspections prior to hand back of the site from Laing O’Rourke to the developer Galliard, a number of water leaks were identified in the station roof slab. Please state (a) what were the reasons why the remedial repairs had not been successful, and (b) the full cost of implementing the decision to remove all the existing waterproofing membrane and reinstating a completely new membrane and protective slab. Please confirm if it is Crossrail or the contractor who will foot the bill for these works.

The Mayor: The investigations into the Tottenham Court Road station roof slab leaks are ongoing, and the root cause is yet to be determined. It is not possible to know the full extent of the rectification works until the root cause is established, or therefore to estimate the total costs required to rectify the issue. This will be known once investigations have concluded.

Overground Services to Enfield Town

Joanne McCartney: Are there any plans to increase the frequency of London Overground services to Enfield Town? Has the possibility of a shuttle from Enfield Town to Seven Sisters been explored to boost capacity?

The Mayor: The possibility of a shuttle service from Enfield Town to Seven Sisters has been considered previously as a way of increasing peak service capacity to and from Enfield Town. However, as this proposal would require additional trains which Transport for London (TfL) does not currently have funding to procure, there are no active plans to take this proposal forward at this time.
TfL is considering whether extra services could be provided to Enfield Town during off-peak periods when more trains are available. This proposal would increase London Overground service frequencies from two to three trains per hour between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town, and Liverpool Street and Cheshunt, during off peak periods.
However, as TfL anticipates that ongoing demand for public transport may be lower than pre-COVID-19, the affordability and value for money of this proposed enhancement is uncertain in the current environment. TfL therefore cannot commit to its implementation at this stage.